I woke up wrapped in warmth,soft thick fur cradled my body shielding me from the cold,in a way I have never felt before.For a brief disorienting moment I thought I was dreaming. The pain in my limbs has dulled to a distant ache and the sharp sting in my chest, though still there no longer felt like it was tearing me apart.
The air smelled different.
The confort,clean and earthly power.
I pushed myself up slightly, wincing as a dull ache spread through my body.
"You are awake"
The voice came from across the fire ,calm and commanding my head snapped towards the sound and my heart pounding violently.
He stood near the cave wall, arms crossed, his tall frame partially illuminated by the firelight. He was massive,far larger than any Alpha I had ever seen,and his presence alone made the air feel heavier, thicker, as though the world itself had shifted to accommodate him.
Silver-gold eyes locked onto mine.
They held no cruelty only power.
Where am I?" My voice came out hoarse, unfamiliar to my own ears.
"My land," he replied .
"You collapsed in the forest. I brought you here."
Memories crashed into me all at once, the rejection, the laughter, the pain, the run into the darkness.
My chest tightened.
"You're a Lycan," I whispered.
His gaze sharpened slightly, but he didn't deny it.
"Yes."
Fear and awe tangled inside me. Lycans were creatures of legend,stronger than Alphas, older than packs, rulers of territories no wolf dared challenge.
"I didn't mean to trespass," I said quickly. "I'll leave as soon as I can."
His lips twitched faintly, as if amused.
"You won't," he said.
My heart skipped. "What?"
"You can barely stand," he continued calmly. "And even if you could, the forest would kill you before dawn."
I swallowed hard, gripping the fur beneath me. "Then why help me?"
Silence stretched between us.
"You were rejected," he said finally.
The words struck like a blade.
I looked away, shame burning hotter than fear. "Yes."
"I felt it," he continued. "The bond breaking. It echoed through my lands."
I laughed weakly. "Lucky me."
Something dark flickered in his eyes.
"Who did it?" he asked.
I hesitated, then whispered, "Alpha Marcus Blackclaw pack".
"An Alpha," he muttered, voice edged with disdain. "Rejecting what he doesn't understand."
I looked up at him in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
He stepped closer. Each step radiated authority, dominance pressing against my senses until my breath hitched. He stopped just short of the fire, gaze never leaving mine.
"You carry something ancient," he said quietly. "Something powerful."
My heart pounded painfully. "I'm just an omega."
His eyes burned brighter.
"No," he said firmly. "You are not."
A strange warmth bloomed in my chest, answering his words.
"Because rejection doesn't just sever bonds," he said softly. "It wounds the soul."
Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them.
He didn't look away.
"You are safe here," he continued. "No
Alpha has authority in my territory."
I swallowed, voice trembling.
Then he said, "My name is Kael Nightfang."
The name resonated deep inside me, sending a shiver down my spine.
"I am the Lycan King."